When sputum is released when coughing, this means that the inflammatory process has begun in the respiratory system. The mucous membrane of the bronchi secretes secretory fluid, as well as dust and dead cells - all this creates an environment that is perfect for the reproduction of pathogenic organisms. Sputum when coughing can be of different colors. Its shade depends on the disease. Brown sputum is a sign of some diseases of the lungs and bronchi.
Sputum color and disease
Various impurities that may be in it affect its color. Also, a change in the color of sputum depends on what changes the body undergoes. The content of pus and blood is possible if a person has bronchitis or a viral infection. It is yellow in the presence of bronchial asthma in a person, as the number of leukocytes of a certain type increases. And inflammation of the lungs is characterized by discharge of a reddish color. But only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, and even then after examining sputum and blood, previously submitted for analysis.
If a white and clear liquid is released in a small volume, then this is the norm. Development of a bacterial infectioncan be seen by the change in color of the discharge. Purulent inflammation is accompanied by green sputum. And brown sputum when a smoker coughs is a completely common phenomenon. Also, a similar symptom indicates that there was previously a hemorrhage in the respiratory tract. The presence of bleeding at the moment will turn the sputum red or pink.
As it turned out, white and transparent discharge will change color when inflammation in the respiratory system begins. This also includes diseases in which brown sputum is secreted. The causes of their occurrence can be found out from the doctor, who must first determine the disease by the presence of certain symptoms.
Discharge from smokers
In smokers, the appearance of brown sputum is not particularly surprising. Smoking contributes to the fact that the volume of mucus increases. Smoke and harmful substances that enter the bronchi provoke a cough.
The body's defense reaction is to clear itself of various dangerous substances. Therefore, smokers cough much more often than other people. Also during smoking, the hairs of the epithelium of the bronchi become immobile. And this, in turn, complicates the process of removing sputum.
Other causes of discoloration of sputum
With a common cold, just mucus can go away. But if there are complications, then sputum can be expectorated with pus. Especially it should cause concern when pus appeared during expectoration in a child. The secret begins to profusely separate in the presence ofchronic bronchitis, and it begins with a dry cough. Afterward, inflammation of the lungs may occur if not treated properly, although the symptoms will appear the same at first.
If brown-streaked sputum is coughed up, it means that dust, paint and other substances that can irritate the mucous membrane have entered the lungs.
Morning highlights
Those people who smoke for a long time often have such a problem as brown sputum in the morning. The accumulation and stagnation of mucus during the night leads to the fact that after waking up during active movements, secretions naturally come out of the bronchi. Subsequently, chronic bronchitis may develop.
Phlegm and smoking
If brown sputum occurs, it is fraught with many serious consequences. Because a wonderful environment has already been created for the development of new infections. Also, toxic tars and carcinogens found in smoker's sputum can poison the entire body.
If the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to clarify the exact diagnosis. Doctors usually advise quitting smoking. The results may vary from day to day. Improvement does not come immediately. For several days, the smoker may feel dizzy, as there is a decrease in blood glucose. After a person gives up smoking, it becomes possible to avoid the manifestation of new diseases, but thisit is not enough to clear the lungs of accumulations of various contaminants. Inhalations, taking expectorant drugs, as well as breathing exercises will help to achieve a certain result in treatment. But before that, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe all the necessary procedures. It is necessary to undergo treatment so that the lungs are cleared. Since the consequences can be more serious, the whole organism as a whole can suffer. Before quitting smoking, the consequences by day must be taken into account, a lot depends on the human body, the experience of abusing tobacco products. If done abruptly, it can cause serious harm. It is also better to discuss this issue with your doctor.
How to treat?
Coughing up sputum is very well helped by warming up. Mustard plasters or compresses will help to achieve the desired effect. Inhalation is also effective. Frequent holding of them may be prescribed if the sputum is very difficult to pass.
If these procedures do not help, and brown sputum is coughed up in the morning, then the following rules can be followed:
- eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce carbohydrate and fat intake;
- drink plenty of fluids to thin the sputum and expel it as soon as possible;
- drink should be alkaline - to alleviate cough.
Folk methods
Earlier, when there were no antibiotics and other drugs, we fought sputum with the help of traditional medicine:
- To extinguish the focus of infection and soften the respiratory tract, you can drinkmilk, after boiling it and adding pine buds. Then you need to let the drink brew for an hour and you can take it.
- Onion syrup will help well. You need to boil two onions, you do not need to peel them, add a glass of sugar during the cooking process.
- Tea from plantain, marshmallow, mint and coltsfoot drink twice a day.
Folk remedies can be used, but only if the doctor has correctly diagnosed.
Bronchitis
Brown phlegm can be a sign of bronchitis. It is also possible to develop an infection in the bronchi. Discharges of this nature may indicate that purulent destructive changes are occurring in the lungs.
Another manifestation of the disease is shortness of breath. When air enters the lungs, it is cleared when inhaled. But in case of illness, mucus sticks together hairs on the inner surface of the respiratory organs. The air is not filtered, and oxygen in insufficient quantities enters the body, breathing becomes frequent. In the mucus, microbes multiply and various impurities are retained, which does not contribute to the purification of the lungs and, thereby, recovery.
Prevention
So that brown sputum does not appear, doctors advise:
- stop smoking forever;
- cleansing the lungs should be carried out in several stages, while taking into account all body systems;
- proper nutrition;
- take the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
Conclusion
Thus, if a cough develops, there is no need to wait until it develops into a more serious disease requiring more complex methods of treatment. You do not need to wait until the sputum that will be coughed up turns brown. And you should not engage in self-medication and self-diagnosis, you should immediately consult a doctor.
